An ageing population raises challenges for our societies and economies, culturally, organizationally and from an economic point of view.
Policy makers worry about how living standards will be affected as each worker has to provide for the consumption needs of a growing number of elderly dependents.
Markets worry about fiscal sustainability and the ability of policy makers to address timely and sufficiently these challenges in several Member States.
The seriousness of the challenge depends on how our economies and societies respond and adapt to these changing demographic conditions." [1]

 The European Theatre Convention initiates the project "The Art of Ageing" under the patronage of the artist Etel Adnan (87) and with the support of the Culture Programme of the European Union with the aim to

initiate the debate

Between artists, scientists, political & economical stakeholders and audiences about demographic challenges addressing younger and older generations alike

raise awareness

For the political, social, biological and economic challenges of our ageing societies

encourage

All generations to take an active part in the life of society

Eight renowned national state and city theatres from four countries commission 4 young talented European playwrights to realize research and interviews about the phenomena of Europe’s ageing societies and to write 4 new plays to be staged in five new stage productions performed by multicultural ensemble from each theatre.


The five new productions will be shared and toured between the participating theatres and showcased during the “1st European Theatre and Science Festival” from April 16-19, 2015 at the Teatrul National Timisoara, Romania with a scientific symposium to pool artists, audiences, political and economic stake holders.


On October 17th 2013, the project started with the premiere of the play “Irgendwann in der Nacht” at the Staatstheater Karlsruhe written by Etel Adnan, about the oneness of love.
On the occasion of the Art of Ageing conference that took place from March 13 to March 16 2014 at Théâtre de Liège in Belgium, a combined staged reading of the play in French and German and a screening of extracts of the stage production were performed. The playwrights of the project were invited to share the first results of their research and interviews realized in the last 7 months.

[1]"The 2012 Ageing Report - Economic and budgetary projections for the 27 EU Member States (2010-2060)”, European Union - Directorate-General for Economic and Financial Affairs, 2012”